Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

• 

  My first car - 1993 Ford Mustang
  By shay - February 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car and I enjoy it, the power and torque of the car is amazing for its size, and the car is amazingly light for the power. The top is a joy in the summertime.

• 

  Ford Taurus: The Most UNDERATED VEHICLE - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By bevlar - February 4 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Ford Taurus, was bought via the internet, after compaig 10 different models--equipment, features, price, etc. In my opinion, the Taurus is one of the most UNDERRATED CARS OF THE PAST FIVE YEARS! The car simply does what you want it to do! The quality, and attention to detail is evident in all aspects--drive train--body integrity-- interior, etc. Not to mention,that Taurus, is Fords "Official Race Car"- winning the NASCAR Winston Cup Manufacturers cup in 2002.

• 

  My 1998 Explorer Made it to 268,000 Miles - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Emir Santana - February 3 - 10:52 pm

  I bought My 1998 Eddie Bauer Edition Ford Explorer used back in 2001 at about 58,000 miles overall I have loved my car, but then it was my first car :) .It stood up to 16 years of constantly hauling heavy DJ equipment and speakers to all my DJ gigs and performances over the years, even constant driving up and down the mountains of Colorado. Over its long life It has had a few problems like the Multifunction switch going out twice (controls your Cruise control, turn signals and wipers etc) however I did have to rebuild my engine at about 170,000 miles after constantly driving up into the high altitude mountains of Denver Colorado while hailung DJ equipment. I did start running in to an issue with car alarm system in the last 2 years randomly going off, I believe due to a malfunctioning door so had to stop locking my doors when I didnt have anything of value in the car. Finally at 268,000 miles this week my Transmission Reverse just went out so its probably time to let the car go as a repair will cost between 1800 and 3800 depending on who does it and if they also decide to do the front differential which has issues now as well. Still drives forward perfectly so I guess I just gotta be a forward thinking person LOL and never go back. The car has been pretty reliable overall and has lasted me years its kind of sad that its time to part ways but it has served me well over the years and the cargo space has been great for all my DJ equipment. Personally I kind of want to buy a newer model Ford Explorer, but I have a wife that really doesnt want me to buy another one :( LOL so the debate goes on as we research reliable SUV cars... (which is how I came to find this in the first place) LOL - [HTML removed]

• 

  BEST ONE YET - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By RON G - February 3 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY 3RD EXPLORER SINCE 1991, AND THE 2002 EDDIE B IS THE BEST. THE RIDE THE QUALITY, EVERYTHING ABOUT THE VEHICLE IS EXCELLANT. LOOKED AT THE TRAILBLAZER, DROVE IT AND DECIDED TO STAY WITH EXPLORER.

• 

  "Oh... I like that!" - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Josh L - February 3 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Sport Trac is a kick @ss ride. A vehicle which can not be duplicated (although has been tried.. Avelanche...). The uniqueness of this truck/suv is absolutley somthing not to miss. A Full 4 door cabin, center console, and a bed sized enough for a daily trip to the shoppes and large anough for a cammute to Home Depot. What absolutely gets me with this truck/suv, is that the 4.0L V-6 engine has enough power to get a thrill out of. Producing 210 Hpr, this engine does its job. Quiet, and smooth they maid it, Fords 4.0 IS THE BEST.

• 

  The One - 2002 Ford F-150
  By gandolf - February 3 - 10:00 am

  one of the best vehicles i have ever owned. great ride, spacious. i could go on. overall i love it!

• 

  No Way! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Nevr Again - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought this van when it had only 23000 miles on it. The transmission would never shift correctly. Took it to 2 Ford dealers and was told it was normal. Transmission went out on a trip to WV in the mountains...Van had 35,800 miles. Factory warrenty covered it. We now have 54,000 miles on the van and the transmission is slipping again. If you want reliability do not buy this van...Have had numerous smaller items go wrong as well. Well never own another Windstar.

• 

  1999 Ford Windstar LX Mini-Van. - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Frogger21 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I Just recently purchased a Ford Windstar LX Mini-Van, and was very impressed with its performance, space, and overall handling. I did my research, compared vehicles, trucks, suvs and vans. After weeks of searching for the right vehicle I have to say that Ford was "The Right Choice". I also have a Wife & Two Boys, and they could not be any happier with my decision.

• 

  My door fell off! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Angie - February 3 - 8:33 am

  The first time I drove my Escape I knew I loved it and wanted it. Comfortable height for getting in and power when I need to pass and pick up speed. Lots of room and great visibility. After 10 months of ownership I opened my door at the mall for Christmas shopping and the top bolt fell out pulling the door from the hinge. Quick reflexes I caught the very heavy door and managed to lift it and secure the hinge. The bolts on the doors secure upward and the safety had fallen off without my knowing, thus every time I opened the door it loosened the bolt a bit more. Apparently a hinge defect. The hinge was replaced with reinforcements around the bolt. The door doesnt always shut properly now.

• 

  Happy with a hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CJS - February 3 - 7:56 am

  Ive never owned an American car before, so this was a big jump for me. Ive driven my hybrid for 2 months/4400 miles, and am enjoying it. The instrument layout reminds me a lot of my Mazda. Escape was a joint venture between Ford & Mazda, and it shows. Im not frustrated with this car the way I am with many American-made rental cars Ive driven. Plenty of acceleration - from a start and at highway speeds. Good cargo room (important for me, as I haul a couple of large dogs on my trips). Ive been getting around 29/30 on trips and 30/31 in town, but I dont do a lot of stop and go driving.